Showa era Natsume by Wada Juho – vintage

Description

Showa-era natsume tea caddy by Wada Juho, a maki-e Kaga master from Yamanaka, Ishikawa prefecture, decorated with a motif known as Tsuzuki Shippo (Seven Continuous Treasures). On a black lacquer base, the intricate pattern of interlocking circles is rendered in maki-e lacquer, with motifs within each circle representing a cherry blossom, maple leaves and other seasonal symbols. Tsuzuki Shippõ symbolizes eternal harmony, as the circles continuously connect without end, representing an unbreakable bond and the continuity of good fortune. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique in which gold or silver powder is delicately sprinkled over wet lacquer to produce intricate patterns. Wada Juho has spent over sixty years perfecting the art of maki-e on natsume tea caddies, preserving the rich tradition of Yamanaka lacquerware. His signature and seal are present on the original wooden box included, attesting to its authenticity and provenance. There is slight wear due to age, but the piece remains in good condition. Please refer to the photos for further details. Dimensions: approx. H 7.7 cm W 7.2 cm D 7.2 cm This box comes from an antique store in Japan. The natsume (抹茶茶器) is a small tea caddy used in the Japanese tea ceremony to hold matcha, green tea powder. Essential to the chanoyu ceremony, it enables the tea master to measure out and transfer the matcha to the chawan (tea bowl) before adding it to the hot water. Made mainly of wood or ceramic, the natsume is often decorated with subtle motifs or lacquered, reflecting the Japanese aesthetic of simplicity and harmony. Its compact, elegant shape symbolizes the delicacy and precision of the gestures involved in tea preparation, reinforcing the atmosphere of respect and meditation that characterizes this age-old practice.

• Unique piece
• Vintage
• Near-new condition, with some age wear
• Provenance: Japan – Antiquaire